Archive for
October
2016

(District of Columbia) In a report that is likely to raise eyebrows, a federally-sponsored study found the role teachers play in the outcome of low-income students compared to more affluent classmates is about the same.

(Calif.) Following years of declining interest among young people for joining the teaching profession, a report released last week shows enrollment in educator preparation programs significantly increased last year–though not yet enough to fill California’s teacher shortage.

This notion that the primary function of school is to prepare youths for making solid incomes is a relatively new concept–and maybe, in spite of mass acceptance–it’s not the central idea behind public education after all.

(District of Columbia) In an effort to increase economic and educational opportunities for Native American youth, federal officials are looking to unify resources available to often underserved communities with bipartisan support.

Don’t become distracted by all the roadblocks, lights and sirens. Fulfilling your maintenance of effort obligations without over committing your resources is doable if you map your course and stay on it.

(Va.) Teachers at this small, specialized school do not attempt to make eye contact or start up small talk with students in the hallways. An opaque film covers classroom windows so that no one can look in from the outside. And tall partitions separate students to offer more privacy.

(Calif.) In a clear sign that California’s economic recovery hasn’t reached all communities, a small elementary school district deep in the Central Valley has requested a waiver from the education code restricting borrowing.

(Mo.) Student information often considered an afterthought is commonly mishandled in Missouri schools according to a state report which called on districts to reevaluate the way all student data is kept private.

(Calif.) California schools with only a quarter of their students coming from low-income households would be allowed to spend federal Title I money on schoolwide programs, under a waiver process pending before the state board of education.

The bar for determining if schools are truly offering free appropriate public education is rising and administrators and teachers need to be more conscious than ever about the breadth of objectives and services included in individualized education plans.